Primary Malignant Spinal Tumors

Printer-friendly version

Primary malignant tumors - tumors that originate in the spine - are far less prevalent than their benign counterparts. In fact, primary malignant spine tumors account for less than 5% of all primary bone tumors.

Because malignant tumors are cancerous, they add a special element to how doctors must approach your treatment. Any spinal tumor can seriously affect your mobility and, if left unchecked can cause permanent paralysis and even death.

Following are the major primary malignant spinal tumors:

Chondrosarcoma (Kan-dro-sar-coh-ma)

Accounting for 7 to 12% of all spine tumors, chondrosarcomas can occur at all levels of the spine but most often occur in the thoracic spine area. The average age of adults diagnosed with chondrosarcoma is 45 years old. Patients often have pain, notice a palpable mass or have neurologic issues.

Ewing sarcoma (Yoo-ing sar-coh-ma)

Ewing sarcoma is a very rare primary malignant spine tumor in children and adolescents, typically between 10 and 20 years old. Only about 250 cases are diagnosed each year. A combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy is often used to combat the tumor spreading.

Osteosarcoma (Os-tea-oh-sar-coh-ma)

Osteosarcomas are relatively rare and typically occur in patients who are male and in their 40s. These lesions account for only 5% of all malignant tumors of the spine. Most often, patients diagnosed with this form of spinal tumor report pain, some sensory deficits and a mass that could be felt. This type of tumor can be aggressive and should be diagnosed and treated quickly.

Chordoma (Core-doh-ma)

This is a rare tumor that represents about 1% of all malignant bone tumors. It is fairly slow growing, but do not often spread to other parts of the body. Most chordomas form at the base of the spine, in the tailbone or at the base of the skull. While chordomas can form in younger patients, the average age for patients with this tumor is 55. Patients often do not readily recognize the symptoms which can include incontinence, changes in bowel habits, or headaches, depending on the tumor's location.

Multiple Myeloma (My-e-loh-ma)

Typically affecting middle and older aged people, patients diagnosed with multiple myeloma often visit their physician complaining of back pain. Upon further examination, it is discovered that the patient has a back fracture as a result of the tumor degrading the spine. Multiple myelomas are usually very responsive to radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Surgery may be required to stabilize the region if the vertebrae in the spine have been severely compromised by the tumor and can't provide adequate support.

Solitary Plasmacytoma (Plas-mah-sy-toe-ma)

Similar to multiple myeloma in characteristics, solitary plasmacytoma is a single lesion that affects the spine or other bones. Because they can eventually evolve into multiple myeloma, doctors often monitor their patients for many years after treatment. This type of tumor typically affects men over the age of 55, but women and other ages can also be diagnosed with solitary plasmacytoma.

Since the cause of primary malignant tumors is not completely understood, doctors at the Florida Hospital Brain and Spinal Cancer Program continue to research their causes and refine their treatments, including improving methods for the early detection and accurate diagnosis of malignant spinal tumors.